3-D elastoplastic finite element analysis of umbrella arch reinforcement system for tunnelling

In this paper, a mathematical framework based on a homogenisation technique to simulate 'umbrella arch reinforcement system' (UARS) and its implementation into a 3D Finite Element program that can consider stage construction situations are presented. The constitutive model developed allows considering the main design parameters of the problem and only requires geometrical and mechanical properties of the constituents. Additionally, the use of a homogenisation approach implies that the generation of the Finite Element mesh can be easily produced and that re-meshing is not required as basic geometrical parameters such as the orientation of the pipes are changed. The model developed is used to simulate tunnelling with the UARS. From the analyses, the effects of the main design parameters on the elastic and the elastoplastic analyses are considered.